Imaging device assembly

ABSTRACT

An imaging device assembly that includes a first imaging module frame, a second imaging module frame, and at least one first attachment member including a base positioned within an interior of the first imaging module frame and at least one protrusion extending from the base through a first wall portion of the first imaging module frame to be exposed external to the first imaging module frame, wherein the at least one protrusion is releasably connected to a top portion of the second imaging module frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a Continuation of application Ser. No.13/100,741, filed May 4, 2011, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

Conventional imaging devices include printers, scanners, copiers, orfacsimile machines, as well as various combinations of these devices. Inone example, a multifunction or all-in-one device includes at least aprinter module, a scanner module, and a copier module with somecomponents contributing to the functions of more than one of therespective modules. While in some instances, such all-in-one devicesincorporate several imaging functions within a single container, inother instances, the all-in-one devices provides several imagingfunctions by physically attaching different containers together witheach container providing functions generally independent of the othercontainers. In these latter arrangements, it is quite common fortime-consuming manipulations to be used during the assembly process inorder to physically attach the different containers together. Moreover,while such conventional arrangements have attachment mechanisms withadequate strength, the rigorous manner in which some consumers handlethese all-in-one devices bodes for more robust attachment mechanismsbetween the different containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an imaging deviceassembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an imagingdevice in an assembled state, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating one imagingmodule prior to assembly of an imaging device, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view schematically illustrating oneimaging module prior to prior to assembly of the imaging device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bottom of animaging module with an attachment member prior to assembly of theimaging device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pair of first attachment members,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pair of second attachment members,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically illustrating attachment of afirst imaging module to a second imaging module during assembly of animaging device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically illustrating interaction of apair of first attachment members with a pair of second attachmentmembers of an imaging device assembly, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram, including a partial sectional view, schematicallyillustrating a grounding path of an imaging device assembly, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific embodiments of the present disclosure whichmay be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as“top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is usedwith reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described.Because components of embodiments of the present disclosure can bepositioned in a number of different orientations, the directionalterminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no waylimiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand structural or logical changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description,therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of thepresent disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an imaging deviceassembly in which two imaging modules are securely fastened to oneanother. In one embodiment, a first imaging module is positionedvertically above a second imaging module and a first attachment memberincludes a base portion located within an interior of the first imagingmodule. However, flanges of the first attachment member extend through abottom portion of the first imaging module to protrude outwardly andreleasably interlock with a second attachment member located at a topportion of the second imaging module. In this way, the bottom portion ofthe first imaging module becomes sandwiched between the base portion ofthe first attachment member and the second attachment member. With thisarrangement, the first imaging module becomes secured relative to secondimaging module while significantly strengthening the bottom portion offirst imaging module in the assembled imaging device.

These embodiments, and additional embodiments, are illustrated anddescribed in association with FIGS. 1-10.

An imaging device 10 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, in oneembodiment, imaging device 10 comprises an assembly of two or moreimaging modules such as, a scanner 12, a printer 14, a copier 16, and afacsimile module 18. One configuration of such an imaging device is amultifunction printer or an all-in-one device, in which multiple imagingmodules are physically attached to each other. In some instances, therespective multiple modules are vertically stacked on top each other.

In one example, an imaging device 10 includes a scanner 12 and a printer14 without a copier module 16 or a fax module 18 while in anotherexample, the imaging device 10 includes a printer 14 and a copier 16without a scanner 12 or fax module 18. It will be understood that thepresent disclosure is not strictly limited to the specific assembliesnoted above, as different combinations of the imaging modules can forman assembly of the imaging device 10. In some embodiments, imagingdevice 10 further includes a web server 20 and a controller 24.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an imagingdevice assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In one embodiment, assembly 100 comprises at leastsubstantially the same feature and attributes as imaging device 10 ofFIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, imaging device assembly 100 includes a firstimaging module 102 and a second imaging module 104. In one embodiment,the first imaging module 102 comprises a scanner and the second imagingmodule 104 comprises a printer. In some embodiments, the scannerincludes at least a first scan window 110, a second scan window 112, anda mobile scanning engine 113. In one aspect, each of the first andsecond imaging modules 102, 104 define a container or frame configuredto house circuitry for carrying out the intended functions (scanning,printing, copying, etc.) of the particular imaging module. In oneembodiment, each imaging module 102, 104 is generally self-containedsuch that the first imaging module 102 is capable of functioninggenerally independently of second imaging module 104, even though thetwo respective modules 102, 104 can function cooperatively when desired.

In other embodiments, the first imaging module 102 comprises an imagingcomponent other than a scanner and/or the second imaging module 104comprises an imaging component other than a printer.

In some embodiments, imaging device assembly 100 includes a transitionportion 106 sandwiched between the first imaging module 102 and thesecond imaging module 104. In one aspect, the transition portion 106houses an attachment mechanism (shown in broken lines 108) configured tosecure the first imaging module 102 vertically above and relative to thesecond imaging module 104. In other embodiments, attachment mechanism108 is configured and positioned to secure the first imaging module 102relative to the second imaging module 104 when they are not in avertically stacked relationship, such as in a side-by-side relationship.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating second imagingmodule 104 and a portion of attachment mechanism 108, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, second imagingmodule 104 includes side portions 120, front portion 122, top portion124, and back portion 125. In general terms, second imaging module 104includes a frame or container 129 that houses printing-relatedstructures, circuitry, and components.

In one aspect, a pair of first attachment members 130A, 130B is securedon top portion 124 while extending generally parallel to each other in aspaced apart relationship. In one embodiment, a longitudinal axis ofeach attachment member 130A, 130B extends from front portion 122 to backportion 125 of second imaging module 104. The attachment members 130A,130B will be further described later in association with FIG. 6. Asfurther shown in FIG. 3, transition portion 126 includes panels 126A,1268 with two other front and side panels not present for illustrativeclarity.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically illustrating first imagingmodule 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 4, first imaging module 102 defines a frame or container141 defining an interior 140. In general terms, container 141 housesscanning-related structures, circuitry, and components. The container141 includes a pair of side walls 144, a back wall 142, a bottom portion146 and a top portion 148. While one side wall and the front wall areremoved for illustrative clarity to better show the interior 140 of thecontainer 141, it will be understood that container 141 actuallyincludes a front wall (substantially identical to back wall 142) that isspaced apart from and opposite to back wall 142, while a side wall(substantially identical to side wall 144) is spaced apart from andopposite to side wall 144.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, top portion 148 of container 141defines aperture 111 to mount first scan window 110 (FIG. 2) and definesaperture 113 to mount second scan window 112 (FIG. 2).

In one embodiment, bottom portion 146 includes a pair of elongatereinforcement structures 150A, 150B that raised from interior surface143 of container 141 with the reinforcement structures 150A, 150Bextending generally parallel, and spaced apart, relative to each other.In one aspect, the reinforcement structures 150A, 150B extend from backwall 142 to a front wall (not shown) to be aligned with attachmentmembers 130A, 130B associated with second imaging module 104 shown inFIG. 3. In one embodiment, the reinforcement structures 150A, 150Binclude an array of ribs 151 defining a top portion of the structures.However, it will be understood that in some embodiments, bottom portion146 of first imaging module 102 omits reinforcement structures 150A,150B.

As further shown in FIG. 4, a pair of attachment members 154 are securedrelative to bottom portion 146 of first imaging module 102. Inembodiments which include reinforcement structures 150A, 150B on bottomportion 146 of container 141, a spine portion 156 of the attachmentmembers 154 is secured directly over the respective structures 150A,150B. In one aspect, a longitudinal axis of the spine portion 156 ofattachment members 154 is aligned with, and generally parallel to, alongitudinal axis of the reinforcement structures 150A, 150B. Inaddition, in some embodiments, reinforcement structures 150A, 150B aresubstantially longer than the first attachment members 154 such that endportions 152, 153 of structures 150A, 150B are exposed, as shown in FIG.4. By providing reinforcement structures 150A, 150B with a length thatsubstantially matches a length of bottom portion 146 between back wall142 to the front wall (not shown), the reinforcement structures 150A,150B act to significantly increase the strength of the bottom portion146 in the region at which first attachment members 154 exert pressureon first imaging module 102.

In one embodiment, during installation of first attachment members 154the top portion 148 of container 141 is not present such that container141 defines an open top to allow access to interior 140 of container 141for installing first attachment members 154. Top portion 148 is securedon container 141 at some point in time after installation of firstattachment members 154 and/or of other components of first imagingmodule 102. In other embodiments, top portion 148 is present duringinstallation of first attachment members 154 and aperture 111 providesaccess to interior 140 of container 141 for installing first attachmentmembers 154 such that aperture 111 defines an open top for container 141of first imaging module 102.

Further details regarding the structure of the attachment members 154are illustrated in association with FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, in oneembodiment, each attachment member 154 includes a spine portion 156 thatextends from a first end 157A to a second end 1578. At first end 157A,attachment member 154 includes a first flange 160 that protrudesoutwardly from and extends generally perpendicular to the spine portion156. In one aspect, first flange 160 defines at least one hole 166,which is configured to receive a fastener for establishing a ground pathfrom the first imaging module 102 to the second imaging module 104, asfurther described later in association FIG. 10.

In another aspect, attachment member 154 includes at least one secondflange 162 that extends outwardly from, and generally perpendicular to,spine portion 156. The second flanges 154 extend in a plane that isgenerally perpendicular to a plane through which first flange 160extends. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, attachment member 154includes a pair of second flanges 162 that are spaced apart along alength of the spine portion 156.

In one embodiment, a wing or tab 164 extends from an edge of the secondflange 162 and is generally perpendicular to respective flanges 162. Thetab 164 is configured to facilitate securing the second flange 162relative to an attachment member 130A, 130B associated with secondimaging module 104, as further described in association with FIGS. 7-9.

In some embodiments, attachment member 154 includes one or more pairs ofholes 168 located in spine portion 156 and which are located to receivefasteners to secure the attachment member 154 relative to bottom portion146 of container 141 (FIGS. 4-5). In one aspect, spine portion 156overlies reinforcement structures 150A, 150B (FIG. 4) and such fastenersare secured into the respective reinforcement structures 150A, 150B.

In one embodiment, each attachment member 154 is made of an electricallyconductive material, such a metal material, while at least the bottomportion 146 of container 141 of first imaging module 102 is made of anon-conductive material, such as a non-metallic material. In someembodiments, attachment member 154 is made of a metal material while theentire container 141 is made of a non-metallic material. In oneembodiment, at the least the top portion 124 of container 129 of secondimaging module 104 is made of a non-conductive material such as anon-metallic material while in other embodiments, the entire container129 of second imaging module 104 is made of a non-conductive material,such as a non-metallic material.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an exteriorsurface 147 of bottom portion 146 of container 141 of first imagingmodule 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5further illustrates the interaction and relationship between firstattachment member 154 and container 141 of first imaging module 102.Furthermore, it will be understood that while FIG. 5 is provided tobetter visualize these structures, the upside down orientation of firstimaging module 102 in FIG. 5 does not represent an orientation of firstimaging module 102 during a method of assembly of an imaging deviceaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Upon securing first attachment member 154 relative to bottom 146 ofcontainer 141 with spine portion 156 of first attachment member 154located within an interior 140 of container 141 (as shown in FIG. 4),first flange 160 and second flanges 162 of each attachment member 154protrude through bottom 146 to be exposed and extend outwardly from anexterior surface 147 of bottom portion 146 of container 141, as shown inFIG. 5. In one aspect, both the first and second flanges 160, 162 extendgenerally perpendicular to the exterior surface 147 of bottom portion146 of container 141. In another aspect, bottom portion 146 of container141 defines a pair of pins 148 that extend outwardly from, and generallyperpendicular to exterior surface 147 of bottom portion 146. Moreover,each of the respective second flanges 162 is located in close proximityto a respective pin 148. In this configuration, first imaging module 102is ready to be mounted on or relative to second imaging module 104.

In one embodiment, pins 148 and bottom portion 146 of container 141 areformed via molding as a single, monolithic structure. However, in otherembodiments, pins 148 are separate members that are attached to thebottom portion 146 of container 141. In other embodiments, reinforcementstructures 150A, 150B are independent elements (e.g. not molded as partof bottom portion 146 of container 141) that are attached to bottomportion 146 within interior 140 of container 140. In these latterembodiments, bottom side of reinforcement structures 150A, 150B definespins 148 and the bottom portion 146 of container 141 defines holesthrough which pins 148 protrude to become exposed at exterior surface147 of bottom portion 146 of container 141.

With first imaging module 102 equipped with first attachment member 154,as shown in FIGS. 4-5, first imaging module 102 is ready to be attachedrelative to second imaging module 104 via attachment members 130A, 130Bof attachment mechanism 108, which are further described and illustratedin association with FIG. 6. In general terms, as shown in FIG. 3, secondattachment members 130A, 130B are mounted on top portion 124 ofcontainer 139 of second imaging module 104 to form part of attachmentmechanism 108 to secure first imaging module 102 on top of secondimaging module 104.

With further reference to FIG. 6, in one embodiment each attachmentmember 130A, 130B defines a generally box-like structure includingbottom wall 170, top wall 174, side walls 175A, 1758, and side wall 176.In one aspect, top wall 174 defines at least one hole 178 sized, shaped,and positioned along a length of top wall 174 to receive a reciprocatingpin 148, which protrudes from an exterior surface 147 of bottom portion146 of container 141 as best seen in FIG. 5. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, each attachment member 130A, 130B includes a pair of holes 178spaced apart by the same distance by which pins 148 of first imagingmodule 102 are spaced apart. In one aspect, holes 178 have a generallyelongate shape to allow slidable movement of pin 148 along a length ofthe holes 178 to allow sliding movement of first attachment member 154relative to second attachment member 130A, 130B, as will be furtherdescribed in association with FIG. 8-9. Accordingly, the holes 178 helplocate reciprocating pins 148 and help align the first attachmentmembers 154 with the second attachment members 130A, 130B.

In another aspect, side wall 176 and top wall 174 of second attachmentmembers 130A, 130B define at least one hole 180 sized, shaped, andpositioned along a length of second attachment members 130A, 130B toslidably receive a reciprocating second flange 162 of attachment member154 (FIG. 7). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, each attachment member130A, 130B includes a pair of holes 180 spaced apart by the samedistance by which second flanges 162 of first attachment member 154 arespaced apart. In one aspect, each hole 180 is sized and shaped to causereleasable locking of second flange 162 (with tab 164) relative to hole180, and therefore, cause locking of first attachment member 154relative to second attachment member 130A, 130B.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the attachmentof first imaging module 102 relative to second imaging module 104,according an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8,first imaging module 102 is positioned generally over second imagingmodule 104 with first attachment members 154 generally aligned withsecond attachment members 130A, 130B. The first imaging module 102 ismoved vertically downward (as represented by directional arrow A) tocause the pins 148 on exterior surface 147 of bottom 146 of container141 (FIG. 5) to penetrate holes 178 on top of second attachment member130A, 130B, and so that second flanges 162 of first attachment member154 releasably engage holes 180 in second attachment members 130A, 130B.

In this arrangement, a plastic-to-metal slidable interface isestablished between non-metallic bottom portion 146 of container 141 andtop wall 174 of metallic second attachment members 130A, 130B. Next, thefirst imaging module 102 is slidably advanced (as represented bydirectional arrow B) relative to a stationary second imaging module 104,which in turn causes, second flanges 162 of first attachment members 154to become further interlocked with holes 180 of second attachmentmembers 130A, 130B. This plastic-to-metal interface substantiallyreduces friction when the first imaging module 102 is slidably advancedrelative to second imaging module 104, as compared to conventionalmetal-to-metal interfaces.

In another aspect, in this arrangement the bottom portion 146 ofcontainer 141 of first imaging module 102 becomes sandwiched between thespine portion 156 of first attachment member 154 and the top wall 174 ofthe second attachment member 104. The interaction and relationship ofthe first attachment member 102, bottom portion 146 of first imagingmodule 102, second attachment member 104, and top portion 124 of secondimaging module 104 is further schematically illustrated in FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 9, when first attachment member 154 is fully engagedrelative to second attachment members 130A, 130B, the second flanges 162of first attachment member 154 engage side wall 176 of second attachmentmember 130A, and first flange 160 engages end 175A of second attachmentmembers 130A, 130B. Pins 148 of container 141 of first imaging module102 protrude through top wall 174 of second attachment member 130A, 130Bsuch that pins 148 extend partially within an interior of secondattachment member 130A, 130B, as seen in FIG. 9. Finally, bottom portion146 of container 141 of first imaging module 102 is interposed betweenspine portion 156 of first attachment member 154 and top wall 174 ofsecond attachment member 130A, 130B.

As further shown in FIG. 9, when a load is applied, such as when aperson attempts to lift the imaging device assembly by holding andlifting solely first imaging module 102 without significantly supportingthe second imaging module 104 (or without supporting it at all), anupward load L1 is placed on the bottom portion 146 of first imagingmodule 102 (including the reinforcement structures 150A, 150B) while adownward load L2 (by force of gravity) is exerted on top portion 124 ofcontainer 129 of second imaging module 104. Because the spine portion156 of first attachment member 154 is located above bottom portion 146(and above reinforcement structures 150A, 150B) of first imaging module102, the bottom portion 146 is under compression during this load L1 andL2. By locating spine portion 156 of first attachment member 102 withininterior 140 of container 141 (at bottom portion 146) of first imagingmodule 102, first attachment member 102 adds significant strength andstiffness to the bottom portion 146 when assembled together with secondattachment member 130A, 130B and second imaging module 104.

The arrangement shown in FIG. 9 reduces long term creep of the bottomportion 146 of first imaging module 102 because tension on bottomportion 146 is generally precluded when loads L1, L2 occur due tolifting of first imaging module 102 (without supporting or liftingsecond imaging module 104).

In addition, as schematically illustrated in the diagram 200 shown inFIG. 10, this arrangement also provides a direct grounding path forcircuitry and electrical components within first imaging module(schematically represented by dashed lines 102) to the chassis ground ofthe imaging device assembly, such as a chassis ground of the secondimaging module 104. In particular as shown in the partial sectional viewof FIG. 10, a grounding path 250 extends from circuitry 210 (viaconnector 212) and/or other electrical components within an interior 140of first imaging module 102 to and through spine portion 156 of firstattachment member 154, to and through first flange 160, and to andthrough a metal fastener 214 secured within hole 166 of first flange160, and to and through end 175A of second attachment member 130A, 130B.It will be understood that second attachment member 130A, 130B isconductively coupled to or comprises a chassis ground 260.

In one aspect, as further shown in FIG. 10, bottom portion 146 of firstimaging module 102 defines a slot 205 to enable first flange 160 toprotrude through bottom portion 146 to become available for connectionto second attachment member 130A, 130B. In another aspect, bottomportion 146 includes additional slots (like slot 205) that arepositioned and sized to slidably receive second flanges 162 of firstattachment member 154 to enable those flanges 162 to protrude throughbottom portion 146 to become exposed exterior to bottom portion 146 ofcontainer 141 of first imaging module 102.

Because first attachment member 154 is placed within interior 140 ofcontainer 141 of first imaging module 102, first imaging module 102 canremain upright during installation of the first attachment member 154.This arrangement stands in contrast to conventional attachmentmechanisms which would otherwise rely on first turning a first imagingmodule upside down to install the attachment mechanism before flippingthe first imaging module back to its generally upright position forfuture assembly steps.

Accordingly, one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a methodof manufacturing an imaging device, such as a multifunction printer orall-in-one imaging device. In one embodiment, the method is performedusing the structures and components of imaging device assembly that werepreviously described in association with FIGS. 1-10. However, in otherembodiments, the method can be performed using other devices havingappropriate elements.

In one aspect, the method includes providing a scanner comprising anopen container that includes a bottom portion defining at least onehole. The bottom wall portion defines an interior surface within thescanner frame and an external surface on an opposite side of the bottomportion. As part of the method, the open scanner container is maintainedin a generally upright position while securing a base portion of a firstattachment member on the interior surface of the bottom portion andwhile inserting at least one protrusion of the first attachment memberthrough the at least one hole of the bottom portion of the open scannercontainer. The method further includes moving the bottom portion of theopen scanner container in sliding contact against a second metallicmember on a top portion of a printer container while simultaneouslyreleasably connecting the at least one protrusion of the firstattachment member relative to the second attachment member to secure thescanner container above and relative to the printer container. In thisway, the scanner container becomes securely fastened to the printercontainer while simultaneously easing the assembly of the imaging deviceand strengthening the connection between the first and second imagingmodules.

In some embodiments, the same method of manufacturing is applied exceptthat the scanner container is replaced with another imaging modulecontainer (e.g. fax, copier, etc.) and/or the printer container isreplaced with another imaging module container (e.g., fax, copier,etc.).

In other embodiments of the method of manufacturing, the scannercontainer is replaced with a printer container such that the twocontainers being joined together perform generally the same function. Ofcourse, this principle can be applied when both containers provide otherfunctions, such as an arrangement in which the top container provides acopy function and the bottom container also provides a copy function.

While FIGS. 1-10 illustrate the assembly of a first and second imagingmodules 102, 104, it will be understood that in other embodiments, morethan two imaging modules can be secured together using an attachmentmechanism like attachment members 154, 130A, 130B (as previouslyillustrated and described in association with FIG. 1-10).

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a more efficient androbust assembly of different imaging modules that form a single imagingdevice assembly.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may besubstituted for the specific embodiments shown and described withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. This application isintended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specificembodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that thispresent disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalentsthereof.

1. A first imaging module frame comprising: a container including afirst wall; and a first attachment member comprising: a base portionpositioned within the container and extending generally against a firstsurface of the first wall; and at least one protrusion extending fromthe base portion, within the container, through the first wall to beexposed external to an opposite second surface of the first wall,wherein the at least one protrusion is releasably connectable relativeto a first wall portion of a second imaging module frame.
 2. The firstimaging module frame of claim 1, wherein via the at least oneprotrusion, the first imaging module frame is directly connectable tothe second imaging module.
 3. The first imaging module frame of claim 1,wherein the first imaging module comprises at least one of a scannerframe and a printer frame.
 4. The first imaging module frame of claim 1,wherein the container is to contain at least circuitry and comprises aninterior defined by the plurality of walls.
 5. The first imaging moduleframe of claim 1, comprising: an elongate reinforcement structurepositioned within the interior of the container of the first imagingmodule frame, with the elongate reinforcement structure located betweenthe base portion of the at least one first attachment member and thefirst wall of the first imaging module frame, wherein the elongatereinforcement structure has a length at least substantially the same asa length of the base portion of the at least one first attachmentmember.
 6. The first imaging module frame of claim 5, wherein theelongate reinforcement structure is made of a non-metallic material andthe first attachment member is at least partially made of a metallicmaterial.
 7. The first imaging module frame multifunction imaging deviceof claim 6, wherein the elongate reinforcement structure comprises araised portion formed as part of the first wall of the first imagingmodule frame.
 8. The first imaging module frame of claim 7, wherein theelongate reinforcement structure includes a plurality of ribs defining atop portion of the elongate reinforcement structure.
 9. The firstimaging module frame of claim 1, wherein container comprises a frontwall and a back wall, with the first wall extending between the frontwall and the back wall and the first wall defining a bottom wall, andwherein the base portion of the first attachment member comprises anelongate element extending between the front wall and the back wall ofthe first imaging module frame with the elongate element having a lengththat substantially matches a length of the bottom wall extending betweenthe back wall and the front wall of the first imaging module frame. 10.The first imaging module frame of claim 1, wherein the first attachmentmember comprises a pair of first attachment members that are generallyparallel to, and spaced apart from, each other, wherein the pair offirst attachment members are located at an intermediate position betweenspaced apart side walls of the first imaging module frame.
 11. The firstimaging module frame of claim 1, wherein the first wall comprises anon-metal external surface to define a nonmetal-to-metal slidableinterface relative to a metal portion associated with the first wallportion of the second imaging module frame.
 12. The first imaging moduleframe of claim 11, wherein the metal portion comprises at least aportion of at least one second attachment member positioned on anexterior of the first wall portion of the second imaging module frame.13. A multifunction imaging device comprising: a scanner frame includinga plurality of walls, including a bottom wall, defining an interior; anda printer frame including a plurality of walls, including a top wall,defining an interior, wherein the top wall generally faces the bottomwall of the scanner frame, a first attachment member to connect thescanner frame to the printer frame and including: a base portion withinthe interior of the scanner frame and extending generally against thebottom wall of the scanner frame; and at least one protrusion extendingfrom the base portion, within the interior of the scanner frame, throughthe bottom wall of the scanner frame to be exposed external to thebottom wall of the scanner frame, wherein the at least one protrusion isreleasably connected relative to the top wall of the printer frame. 14.The multifunction imaging device of claim 13, wherein at least a portionof the bottom wall of the scanner frame comprises a non-metallicexternal surface to define a nonmetal-to-metal slidable interfacerelative to a metal portion associated with at least a portion of thetop wall of the printer frame.
 15. The multifunction imaging device ofclaim 13, wherein the scanner frame comprises: an elongate reinforcementstructure positioned within the interior of the container of the scannerframe and located between the base portion of the first attachmentmember and the bottom wall of the scanner frame, wherein the elongatereinforcement structure has a length at least substantially the same asa length of the base portion of the at least one first attachmentmember.
 16. The multifunction imaging device of claim 15, wherein theelongate reinforcement structure is made of a non-metallic material andthe first attachment member is at least partially made of a metallicmaterial.
 17. The multifunction imaging device of claim 16, wherein theelongate reinforcement structure comprises a raised portion formed aspart of the bottom wall of the first imaging module frame.
 18. Theattachment member of claim 13, wherein both the scanner frame and theprinter frame are made of a non-conductive material, and wherein atleast the at least one protrusion is formed of a conductive material toprovide an electrical ground path from within an interior of thecontainer of the first imaging module frame to an exterior of the secondimaging module frame.
 19. An attachment member for a first imagingmodule frame comprising: a base portion positionable within a containerof the first imaging module frame to extend generally against a firstsurface of a bottom wall of the container; and at least one protrusionextending from the base portion to be positionable to extend from withinthe container, through the bottom wall to be exposed external to anopposite second surface of the bottom wall of the container, wherein theat least one protrusion is slidable releasably connectable relative to atop wall of a second imaging module frame.
 20. The attachment member ofclaim 19, wherein the first attachment member comprises a pair of firstattachment members that are generally parallel to, and spaced apartfrom, each other, wherein the pair of first attachment members arelocated at an intermediate position between spaced apart side walls ofthe first imaging module frame.